Rabbi of Modena, By Rabbi David Zacuto Modena – Modena, 1811 Manuscript leaf, lament for passing of R. Yishmael HaKohen, Rabbi of Modena, by R. David Zacuto Modena. [Modena, 1810 or 1811].

A poetic lament with ten stanzas, handwritten by R. David Zacuto Modena, with a lengthy introduction at the top of the leaf and the signature of the author at the end of the poem. To the best of our knowledge, this poem has never been published.

R. Yishmael HaKohen, Rabbi of Modena (1724-1810), leading Italian rabbi and prominent posek. In 1782, he succeeded his brother R. David HaKohen as Rabbi of Modena, effectively leading all of Italian Jewry. When the Jewish Sanhedrin was instituted by Napoleon in 1806, he wrote a detailed response to 12 questions asked by Napoleon about the relation between state law and Jewish law, which served as the basis for the rabbis representing Italian regions in the Sanhedrin.

R. David Zacuto Modena (1778-1865), an important Italian rabbi in his times, also served as Rabbi of Modena, succeeding his father R. Mazal Tov Zacuto, in turn the disciple and successor of R. Yishmael HaKohen.

[1] leaf. 27.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Folds. Repaired with tape to reverse side of leaf.

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.